Hampton Street Vineyard: A Guide to Tasting and Touring the Best Wines in Town

Hampton Street Vineyard is a wine-focused French-inflected farm-to-table restaurant located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The restaurant prides itself on its locally-sourced ingredients and extensive wine list, which features over 300 bottles from around the world. The restaurant's elegant decor and cozy atmosphere make it a popular spot for everything from romantic dinners to business meetings.

One of the standout features of Hampton Street Vineyard is its commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant works closely with local farmers and producers to ensure that everything on the menu is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the hearty entrees to the delicate desserts.

In addition to its impressive wine list and locally-sourced ingredients, Hampton Street Vineyard is also known for its elegant decor and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and cozy seating make it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Whether you're in the mood for a glass of wine and a light bite or a full meal, Hampton Street Vineyard is a must-visit destination for foodies and wine lovers in Columbia.

History of Hampton Street Vineyard

Founding

Hampton Street Vineyard was founded in 1995 by three sommeliers who had a passion for wine and a desire to create a unique dining experience in Columbia, South Carolina. The original owners, who were also the restaurant's sommeliers, built the restaurant's reputation around its extensive wine list and farm-to-table cuisine.

Growth and Development

In 2005, Hampton Street Vineyard was purchased by Scott and Elaine Van Der Kamp, who continued to build on the restaurant's success. They expanded the restaurant's offerings to include more American cuisine, while still maintaining its French influence. The Van Der Kamps also added a wine shop to the restaurant, allowing customers to purchase their favorite bottles to take home.

Under the Van Der Kamps' ownership, Hampton Street Vineyard received numerous awards and accolades, including the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.

Notable Events

In 2019, Hampton Street Vineyard underwent a change in ownership, with a team of wine-loving friends taking over the restaurant. The new owners, who also have extensive experience in the wine industry, have shifted the restaurant's focus to an American brasserie-style menu, while still maintaining its commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Over the years, Hampton Street Vineyard has become a beloved fixture in Columbia's dining scene, known for its exceptional wine list, farm-to-table cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Hampton Street Vineyard Wines

Hampton Street Vineyard is known for its extensive wine list and its commitment to providing its guests with a diverse selection of high-quality wines. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its wine selection, including the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.

Red Wines

Hampton Street Vineyard offers a wide variety of red wines from around the world. The restaurant's wine list includes both domestic and international reds, ranging from light and fruity to bold and full-bodied. Some of the most popular red wines at Hampton Street Vineyard include:

  • Pinot Noir from Oregon and California
  • Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley
  • Syrah from the Rhone Valley
  • Malbec from Argentina

White Wines

Hampton Street Vineyard also has an impressive selection of white wines. The restaurant's wine list includes both still and sparkling whites, ranging from dry to sweet. Some of the most popular white wines at Hampton Street Vineyard include:

  • Chardonnay from California and Burgundy
  • Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and California
  • Riesling from Germany and Alsace
  • Champagne from France

Rose Wines

For those who prefer a lighter wine, Hampton Street Vineyard offers a variety of rose wines. The restaurant's wine list includes both still and sparkling roses, ranging from bone-dry to sweet. Some of the most popular rose wines at Hampton Street Vineyard include:

  • Provence Rose from France
  • Pinot Noir Rose from Oregon and California
  • Sparkling Rose from California and France

Overall, Hampton Street Vineyard's wine list is carefully curated to provide guests with a diverse selection of high-quality wines. Whether you prefer red, white, or rose, you are sure to find a wine that suits your taste at this award-winning restaurant.

Vineyard Tour Experience

Tour Overview

Hampton Street Vineyard offers a unique vineyard and winery tour experience. Visitors can explore the history, vineyard tours, and tastings that make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the winemaking process and the history of the winery.

The tour takes visitors through the vineyards, where they can see the grapes growing and learn about the different grape varieties. Visitors can also explore the winery, where they can see the wine being made and learn about the different stages of the winemaking process.

Wine Tasting Experience

After the tour, visitors can enjoy a wine tasting experience. The tasting room is located in the heart of the winery and offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Visitors can taste a range of wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, and learn about the different flavors and aromas.

The tasting experience is led by knowledgeable staff who are passionate about wine and can provide insights into the different grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Visitors can also purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home with them.

Special Events

Hampton Street Vineyard also hosts special events throughout the year, including wine and food pairing dinners, live music events, and wine release parties. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the winery and vineyards in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

The events are designed to showcase the best of Hampton Street Vineyard's wines and cuisine, and visitors can enjoy delicious food and wine pairings while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Overall, the vineyard and winery tour experience at Hampton Street Vineyard is a must-visit for wine lovers. With knowledgeable guides, a stunning location, and delicious wines, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience.

Sustainable Practices

Hampton Street Vineyard is committed to sustainable practices in their winemaking process. They believe that taking care of the environment and using sustainable practices is essential to producing high-quality wines and protecting the planet. Here are some of the sustainable practices that they follow:

Organic Farming

Hampton Street Vineyard uses organic farming practices to grow their grapes. They believe that organic farming is better for the environment and produces healthier grapes. Organic farming uses natural methods to control pests and weeds, and it does not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This method of farming helps to maintain the natural balance of the vineyard and promotes soil health.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is a priority for Hampton Street Vineyard. They use drip irrigation systems to minimize water usage and reduce water waste. This system delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing evaporation and runoff. They also use cover crops to help retain moisture in the soil and reduce erosion. Additionally, they have installed rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater, which they use for irrigation.

Energy Efficiency

Hampton Street Vineyard is committed to reducing their carbon footprint by using energy-efficient practices. They have installed solar panels on their property to generate renewable energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. They also use energy-efficient lighting and equipment in their winemaking process. They believe that using renewable energy and energy-efficient practices not only benefits the environment but also helps to reduce their operating costs.

Overall, Hampton Street Vineyard is committed to sustainability and takes pride in their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. They believe that by using sustainable practices, they can produce high-quality wines while protecting the planet for future generations.

Visiting Hampton Street Vineyard

Hampton Street Vineyard is a charming restaurant located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina that has been serving fine wine, outstanding food, and warm hospitality since 1995. The restaurant pays homage to its home in the historic Sylvan Building with French-inflected cuisine.

Location and Directions

Hampton Street Vineyard is located at 1201 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201. The restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Columbia, making it easily accessible to visitors. If you are driving, there are several parking options available nearby, including metered street parking and public parking garages.

Accommodation

If you are planning to visit Hampton Street Vineyard from out of town, there are several accommodation options available nearby. The Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel is located just a few blocks away from the restaurant and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to dining at Hampton Street Vineyard, there are several nearby attractions that visitors may want to explore. The South Carolina State Museum is located just a few blocks away and offers a variety of exhibits on the history and culture of South Carolina. The Columbia Museum of Art is also located nearby and features a collection of American and European art, as well as rotating exhibitions.

Overall, Hampton Street Vineyard is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for fine dining in Columbia, South Carolina. With its charming atmosphere, outstanding food, and warm hospitality, it is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion.